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How to Use Microsoft Copilot in Excel

Introduction

Microsoft Copilot in Excel is an AI-driven tool designed to assist users in performing data analysis, generating insights, and automating tasks. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get started with Copilot in Excel.

Microsoft Copilot

Accessing Copilot in Excel

  1. Open Excel
    • Launch Microsoft Excel from your desktop or through Microsoft 365 online.
  2. Sign In
    • Ensure you are signed in with a Microsoft 365 account that has access to Copilot. If you are unsure about your access, check with your organization’s IT administrator or refer to your subscription details.
  3. Enable Copilot
    • If you are in a public preview or have early access, Copilot might be enabled by default. If not, you may need to enable it through the Excel add-ins or options menu.
      Enable Copilot

Using Natural Language Queries

  1. Activate the Copilot Pane
    • Click on the Copilot icon located in the Excel toolbar to open the Copilot pane. This page will allow you to interact with the AI.
  2. Enter Your Query
    • Type a question or command in natural language. For example, "Top 2 'Campaign Type' by total 'Budget'" or "Create a pivot table showing Campaign details.
  3. View Results
    • Copilot will process your query and display the results directly in the spreadsheet or as a summary in the Copilot pane.
      Copilot Pane

Generating Formulas and Functions

  1. Ask for Help with Formulas
    • In the Copilot pane, type a request like "Create a formula to calculate the total Budget for each Campaign Name."
  2. Insert the Formula
    • Copilot will generate the appropriate Excel formula and you can insert it into the desired cell by clicking on the provided option.
  3. Adjust if Necessary
    • You can edit the generated formula if needed to better fit your data structure.
      Data structure

Creating Charts and Visualizations

  1. Request a Chart
    • In the Copilot pane, type a command such as "Create a bar chart according to Launch Date."
  2. Customize the Chart
    • Copilot will insert the chart into your worksheet. You can then customize it using Excel’s standard chart tools.
  3. Analyze Insights
    • Use the visualization to gain insights into your data. You can ask Copilot follow-up questions for deeper analysis.
      Copilot follow-up

Creating Summaries and Reports

  1. Generate a Summary
    • Request a summary by typing a command like "Summarize the quarterly performance of all departments."
  2. Customize the Report
    • Copilot will provide a detailed summary which you can edit and format to fit your reporting style.
  3. Share the Report
    • Once finalized, share your report via email or as a part of a presentation.
      Report

Summary

Microsoft Copilot in Excel is a powerful tool that simplifies complex tasks and enhances productivity by leveraging AI. By following these steps, users can effectively utilize Copilot to streamline their workflows and gain deeper insights into their data.


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